The new Mini Cooper Electric - Will the 2024 version be the best EV hatchback to lease?

Will the new 2024 Mini Cooper Electric be the best EV hatch to lease?

Since 2019, the BMW Group have been enjoying success with their “Mini Electric”, the battery powered version of their small car favourite.

At the time, 2019 / 2020, the conversion of the well-known small car into a zero-emission product was a palpable move. Electric cars were new, unknown and UK customers still had reservations about making the transition. By taking the exterior / interior of an already popular petrol and diesel car, and utilising lithium-ion batteries, the German manufacturer ensured that consistency was retained.

Other manufacturers attempted the more novel / unique approach, with sub-brands, which just didn’t work. And new brands, like Tesla and Polestar, entered the market with new and exciting alternatives. So in playing safe, Mini ensured that their presence in the EV market was cemented but this was not without its critique.

As we are finding out in 2023, UK leasing customers do need more than familiarity, style and novelty to build confidence in a product. As our EVC™ demonstrates, there are various facets to a vehicle with elements like range, charging time, efficiency and charging locations which must be taken into account before moving into a new / different EV.

The vehicles are not all the same, as was commonly the case In the combustion era, and the various manufacturers are approaching their cars slightly differently. For example, some use bigger battery setups to maximise range (at a cost) whereas others have invested more heavily in AC and DC charging capabilities, so that the charging experience is quicker.

In truth, it’s a mix of practicality and cost which will often determine what makes the perfect electric car for many customers.

Was the previous Mini electric a good car?

As we have noted above, there were lots of good features and nostalgic elements which made this such an easy sell. But with market maturity, and more complex needs for personal and business lease customers, there were certain clear fragilities to the model .

With just a 28.9 kWh usable battery, the range was somewhat limited; just under 100 miles in colder weather and 130 miles in warmer climates. While nippy, with the 135 kW (181hp) output and 0 - 62 times of 7.3 seconds, the 49 kW DC rapid charging times was a little lacklustre.

With a 30 minute 10-80% charging session for such a small battery pack, it was clear that the BMW Group had missed certain requirements. However, the inclusion of 11kW AC capability was at least a smart feature. For a low mileage customer, on a more restricted budget, the old Mini (2019 - 2023) represented a sage solution.

But what will the 2024 all-electric Mini Cooper bring to the UK leasing market?

Mini are promising to bring a more distilled version, with cleaner and sleeker surfaces and more subtle tones, which they believe embodies “less is more”. But inside expect the new OLED technology to offer some distinctive experiences with the slim centre instrument panel, large dash (the OLED), HUD and infotainment to deliver a truly futuristic experience.

And with a Classic, Exclusive and Sport design to be made available, this means more variety in the form of upholstery, textile and leather, 2D tech designs, reduced responsive steering wheel and Mini experience modes via the Toggle. The new Mini will have various driving and personalised modes, the Intelligent Personal Assistant and an array of connectivity and apps.

And in terms of battery choices, two battery configurations for this supermini hatchback have been confirmed from Mini with: 

• The Mini Cooper Electric E - this FWD hatchback will have a 37 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 7.4 seconds, 106 mph top speeds and 160 kW (or 215 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 120 miles with warmer weather allowing for 170 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 4 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 75 kW DC maximum allowing 27 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 200L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 159 mpg. This option cannot tow. This EV does not have bidirectional or V2L / V2G capabilities; and
•  The Mini Cooper Electric SE - this FWD hatchback will have a more sizeable 49 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 6.7 seconds, 99 mph top speeds and 135 kW (or 181 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 160 miles with warmer weather allowing for 220miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 5 hour and 15 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 95 kW DC maximum allowing 29 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 200L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 157 mpg. This option cannot tow. This EV does not have bidirectional or V2L / V2G capabilities. 

And how much will the new Mini Cooper be?

Will there be cheap leasing deals? Information is still limited but expect the standard E to start at around £30,000 with the upgraded SE likely to be just under £35,000.

As the brand will use Classic, Sport and Exclusive trim levels, this will determine the final cost. Our expectation is that leasing deals of around £250 - £350 per month will be available from this upcoming pocket rocket. Order banks should open late 2023, for mid-2024 deliveries, so do get in touch with our expert e-car lease team if you want to find out more. Or call our trusted team on 01942 943 211